the u.s. facility in benghazi have attempted to expand their territory in the nation of mali as well as take hostage dozens of innocent civilians and attempt to destroy a natural gas facility in algeria. today, the united states is provided its unique enabling capabilities to the french military operations and the deployment of african forces from nations around the region. as secretary panetta has stated repeatedly, it is critical that the united states continue to pursue those groups and individuals seeking to attack the united states and our interests. i expect the secretary and the chairman this morning will provide their assessment of the threat that's posed by these groups to regional and international security as well as our effort to counter their operations. the four americans that our nation lost last september were among the very best expression of what it means to be an american. hardworking, energetic, optimistic, dedicated, not just to furthering the interests of their own nation